CSF schools division superintendent Imelda Macaspac. Photo courtesy of PIA-3
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The Department of Education Division of San Fernando said it is ready for the opening of classes in October, amid the coronavirus disease pandemic.
City schools division superintendent Imelda Macaspac assured the public that despite the increasing number of Covid cases in the city, learning will continue for all Fernandino students.
“We in the division are ready for SY 2020-2021. Under the leadership of our principals, we ensure that our schools are safe and orderly, and are compliant to the guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases even without face–to–face classes,” she said.
In terms of enrolment, Macaspac said that as of August 13, 88.61 percent of the total enrollees last school year enrolled.
Enrollment turn out for public schools is high with 62,184 or 99.71 percent learners compared to last year. In private schools, enrolment data is at 55.08 percent or 11, 352 students.
“Based on the readiness metrics of the department, we surpass the 80 percent target set by our Central Office,” the superintendent said.
Macaspac added that the division will utilize a combination of modular and television-based instruction for the upcoming school year.
“We are pleased to announce that we are 96 percentready for our self-learning modules status. Based on the readiness metrics of our Central Office, we are at the advanced level which is 80 to 100 percent stage of module printing. In fact, we already started handing out modules or self-instructional packets (SIPacks) alongside our school level orientation for parents on August 3,” she said.
As early as July, DepEd San Fernando already conducted simulation of modular and television-based learning to selected students in the city.
“There was also a simulation of the whole process of modular instruction from parent orientation, to the distribution of SIPacks, and their retrieval. The simulations helped us gain empirical or evidence-based feedbacks that will be basis for improvement,” Macaspac said.
Teachers also conduct parents’ orientation for those who do not have gadgets to better explain the SIPacks, how to answer them and what will be the parents’ role in their children’s education under the new normal.
Aside from face–to–face orientation, the SDO also conducted online parents’ orientation for those with gadgets and internet access.
For its part, the city government expressed its support to the SDO by allocating P71 million from the Special Education Fund for the purchase of 35 heavy duty risograph machines, 45 photocopiers, ink, and bond paper to be used for the reproduction of SIPacks or modules.
“Also included in the budget is the procurement of equipment that will aid us to continuously produce video lessons. We will also procure 500 laptops every year as part of our long–term plan,” Macaspac said. —Marie Joy S. Carbungco/PIA-3
